2003 Infiniti G35 Review

Sometimes it can be hard to tell the players without a scorecard.

For instance, the new G35 Sport Coupe from Nissan's upscale Infiniti division is basically a larger version of the racy new Nissan 350Z sports car with sleeker styling and more room and luxury.

But the coupe also can be called a sportier version of the posh Infiniti G35 four-door, which debuted last spring as a 2003 model and is a rival to BMW and Mercedes-Benz sports sedans.

Blame any confusion on parts sharing among an automaker's different models to hold down costs of new models. For instance, without the G35 sedan, there would be no G35 coupe. An Infiniti spokesman said Infiniti regards the G35 coupe as more of a four-seat version of the 350Z than a sportier version of the taller, longer G35 sedan.

Maybe yes, maybe no. But there's no questioning that the G35 coupe is a dynamite car.

The muscular-looking two-seat 350Z is a pure sports car and is much shorter than the G35 coupe. While the coupe is more of a higher-comfort model for older folks than the 350Z, it's still a genuine sports car. After all, its chief engineer was heavily involved with various Nissan racing programs.

The G35 coupe seats four despite its killer good looks because it has a longer wheelbase and overall length than the 350Z. The coupe also is three inches taller than the 350Z. However, its rear seat area lacks sufficient headroom for 6-footers--not the case with the G35 sedan. Surprisingly, the coupe is 80 pounds heavier than the sedan, at 3,416 pounds.

The coupe has rather trim exterior dimensions. It's 4.3 inches shorter than the spacious G35 sedan, but shares a rear-wheel-drive platform and fairly long 112.2-inch wheelbase with the sedan. The rear-drive 350Z has only a 104.3-inch wheelbase.

All three models share six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions, along with brakes, suspension architecture and other parts--including a potent 3.5-liter V-6 with various power ratings.

The V6 generates 287 horsepower in the 350Z and 280 horsepower in the G35 coupe. Both have manual or automatic transmissions. The G35 sedan has a 260-horsepower version of the V-6 (partly because of a more restrictive exhaust system) and comes only with the automatic. However, it also will get an available manual gearbox in early spring.

Infiniti is putting a luxury emphasis on the G35 coupe and feels most buyers will want it with an automatic transmission. However, a test G35 coupe with the manual gearbox proved to be more fun to drive with its short-throw shifter.

A downshift to third gear is needed for the fastest 65-75 mph passing, but the transmission works nicely with the sophisticated engine, which almost loafs at 2,500 rpm at 70 mph. The engine has plenty of torque, so there's no need to do lots of gear shifting to get the best performance. The G35 coupe hits 60 mph in six seconds flat with the manual gearbox.

Despite the strong acceleration, the smooth dual-overhead-camshaft engine delivers fuel economy in the high teens in the city and mid-20s on highways with either transmission.

One might expect that the lower-cost versions of such a zoomy coupe would come with a manual gearbox. That's not the case. The $32,050 manual-transmission G35 coupe costs more than the automatic transmission models. Those models are the $29,100 base coupe and $31,400 version with a leather interior, which also is in the manual transmission model.

Infiniti says most G35 coupe buyers will consider the coupe more of a luxury car than a sports car--the same way most Americans regard Jaguars--because it's an Infiniti. That's one reason why the coupe has an interior similar to the one in the posh G35 sedan. Both even share a classy looking analog clock.

Equipment levels of the coupe are high, as would be expected with a model from Infiniti, which is becoming more aggressive in competing with the Japanese Lexus and Acura divisions. Standard items include air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD and power windows and locks.

A sunroof, navigation system and upscale sound system are among options. There also are an optional rear spoiler and lower body fairings that make the car slightly more aerodynamic.

Safety features include front torso and side curtain air bags for front and rear occupants. There's also a brake assist feature that helps apply the right pressure in panic stops.

The G35 coupe has nearly the same superb handling and unerring directional stability of the 350Z, partly because it has an all-independent suspension, long wheelbase and wide stance. In fact, the longer wheelbase makes it more stable than the 350Z when pushed hard.

The manual-transmission model has the best roadability. It features high performance Brembo brakes usually put on exotic sports cars and especially big 18-inch alloy wheels, compared with 17-inch standard wheels on the other coupe models. However, it has a firmer ride with those tires, which are optional for the mid-range "leather'' model. All models have standard anti-skid and traction control systems.

Steering is quick and precise. It's not too light at highway speeds, as is the case with BMW 3-Series steering. The anti-lock braking is strong, with a rather soft, but easily modulated, pedal.

Long, heavy doors hinder entry and exit in tight spots, although the large outside door handles are easily gripped. The interior is quiet with high quality materials, easily read gauges and ultrasupportive front seats that glide forward electrically to provide access to the rear seat area.

Drawbacks include cupholders set far back on the console and hard-to-reach seatbelts. Power seat controls are awkwardly placed on the console and difficult to find in the dark. Dashboard radio controls could be easier to use, and the hood is held open by an old-fashioned prop rod.

The trunk is long but rather shallow, with a high, awkwardly shaped opening--a price paid for the voluptuous styling. However, the rear seatbacks flip forward to enlarge the cargo area.

The G35 coupe is generally a gem, and there is no direct rival from an American automaker.


2003 INFINITI G35 SPORT COUPE
Prices:
$29,100-$32,050

Likes:
Zoomy styling. Fast. Excellent handling. Fairly luxurious.
Dislikes:
High cargo opening. Tight rear headroom. Manual gearbox version costs more than automatic-transmission versions.